Wayne Kramer American guitarist, singer, songwriter, producer and composer Date of Birth: 30.04.1948 Country: USA

1. Early Life and Career with MC5
2. Addiction and Incarceration
3. Musical Collaborations
4. MC5 Reunion and Solo Career
5. Film and Television Music
6. Later Career and Accolades

Early Life and Career with MC5

Wayne Kramer, an American guitarist, singer, songwriter, producer, and composer, emerged onto the music scene in his teenage years as a founding member of the rock band MC5 in 1967. The band was renowned for its electrifying live performances and leftist political ideologies, led by writer John Sinclair. However, internal conflicts, drug addiction, and personal struggles eventually led to MC5's dissolution.

Addiction and Incarceration

Kramer battled drug addiction for several years, hindering his musical endeavors. In 1975, he was arrested for attempting to sell cocaine to an undercover federal agent. He served a two-year prison sentence at the Lexington Federal Penitentiary in Kentucky. While incarcerated, Kramer encountered and performed with jazz trumpeter Red Rodney, a former member of Charlie Parker's quintet.

Musical Collaborations

Upon his release from prison, Wayne moved to New York City and briefly joined Johnny Thunders' band, Gang War. He also played with the 1980s cult band Fats Deacon and the Dumbwaiters. In 1979, he joined the acid-funk group Was (Not Was) as lead guitarist, contributing to their single "Wheel Me Out" and the 2008 release "Boo!"

MC5 Reunion and Solo Career

In 1991, Kramer reunited with surviving MC5 members for a benefit concert in memory of former vocalist Rob Tyner. In 1994, he embarked on a solo career, signing with Epitaph Records. He released several recordings, including the studio album "Adult World." In 2001, he launched his independent label, MuscleTone Records, with his wife and manager, Margaret Saadi Kramer.

Film and Television Music

As a composer, Kramer has written songs and scored music for film and television. His song "Stranger In The House" was featured in the Millennium television series finale, "Paper Dove." Major composing credits include the comedies Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006) and Step Bros (2008). He also composed the score for the comedy series East Bound and Down, which premiered in 2009.

Later Career and Accolades

Kramer was ranked 92nd on Rolling Stone magazine's "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time." He continues to perform and collaborate on various projects. Notably, he appeared as a guest with Rage Against the Machine at a protest concert in 2008. In 2011, he participated in the Detroit All-Star Music Extravaganza hosted by Marshall Crenshaw as part of the "United Sounds of America" concert series.